Barebones Outfitters - Your Starship Builders Headquarters!

 

Ok, I'm not bragging. She looks rough...

I tried blocking out some of the shapes in foam for the control surfaces and wall panels. There is little to nothing square about this setup, so I'm building in some allowances and considering my options. Since the inside walls will be built out with layers of foam, I just need to be concerned with how they connect to the frame. Then I can hide any gaps with pipe or cable runs. Oh, and I have to be able to take them back apart. In case I move again, for example... 

The foam will be coated with fiberglass and resin to hold up to use and abuse. That in itself is worthy of its own series of videos, and I'm excited to apply that skill to this project. 

Reactor Mark II.a

After building a ton of small test panels and proof of concept gizmos, I realized that I would need a better power solution than 8 power strips to run the wall warts for each led strip and microcontrollers. This is the power distribution unit, so far.

In essence, there are 8 relays that route power to 8 different circuits, all controlled by 5v signal. I'll use switches until the software control is written. 

When the power is off, each bank displays red blinking lights. 

A bank of yellow, green and blue lights turn on when powered. This will serve as a diagnostic tool (where the heck's the power?!) and looks frakking cool. 

My Gonk droid's faceplate sits waiting for me to finish powering it up as well. 

Humble beginnings. Again. 

Cardstock templates for the overhead panels.
Now I can scan and design accurate labels!

The overhead panel is a legit aicraft panel gifted to me. It had no cover panels but the switches were intact and until now I didn't realize how visually important these small panels are. It breaks the board up logically and I ca give each section an "in-universe" job,and have fun taking liberties. Few switches from this panel will interact with the PC - I need to be able to power and control all the devices, and the overhead is not where you reach things during combat.  

In the next installment, dressing out the overhead begins! What goes where, and why. 

I'll be building physical panels, designing each "character" and vinyl cutting details and labels. 

"Two Years Later ..."

 The world made me put away my toys for a while.

It had been more than a year since I played anything more complex than I could run on a gamepad. There was not a time that greater priorities didn't take precedence, and it was hard to find time to relax, let alone build anything new. 

But as the world began to open, I found myself with a bit more time and creative energy. The major renovations were complete, the business was securely operational and I spent months (ongoing) organizing and cleaning out storage bins. All of my tools, tech and gizmos were starting to find more permanent homes. I now had dedicated work areas stocked and ready. More than that, I started getting a real itch to "fly" again. 

Once the SimPit bug bites, it's really hard to fly without all the controls set up and at a comfortable height. I have no real room to work, tools are unavailable and wood structures are both heavy and difficult to make changes when you find out something doesn't work. I decided on PVC for a basic, quick and relatively tool-less assembly. I had tools and fittings left over. With no plan, I just started building. 

The only room left for the Geekpit was a corner of my room, so I made the best of the space. A 50" flatscreen mounted to the wall was the start. I got the rough dimensions from the tv and the chair height. I sketched out rough ideas and sorted through how to connect everything together. I built the control and center console from smaller 3/4" as I wanted to be able to add to it for mounting panels and screens. Some 80 feet of 3/4" and 1" PVC pipe, dozens of connectors and fittings, several pots of coffee, and in a weekend I had a fairly simple structure up. 

Let's not pretend that this is square.

 None of the fittings are glued - friction fit at best. But I now have an outer shell which is holding the overhead panel, and platforms to hold the sticks and controllers. I even built out the center console for the Airbus Engine Control unit. Some insulation board fills the gaps.

I started mapping out locations on the panel for sub-panels, and which holes would be for lights and which would be switches. Very few switches on this panel will directly affect a game - they will be used to control the environment and power needs of the Sim. 

But before I can even start to think about what goes where, I'm going to need to get all the controls set up. And that, dear reader, is where the story continues. For the first time in this meandering Blog, I'm hoping to start sharing knowledge that you can ACTUALLY use to build your own environment enhancing goodies and effective controls, no matter your space or budget.

Mark IX Making progress!

**For newer readers -- THIS NO LONGER EXISTS. Had to dismantle and start again. But I learned enough to build a true structure some day!**

I have to say, once I broke through the issues with creating the basic frame, creating sub-assemblies and paneling has gone a lot faster than I expected. Please be aware that the pics are showing a lot of test fitting and most of the joints and panel edges are not lined up properly. Some are not even fastened down! The main control panel under the monitors is 5 pieces tacked together, both side boxes have their panels just set in place. I wanted to see how the structure was coming along and eagerly took some pics! 

That being said, make no mistake - this is probably NOT the way to build a project like this! Between the incredibly warped wood and dubious measurements, this is about as far from "fine carpentry" as it can get without falling in on itself. 

Is the overhead securely fastened to the upper frame?            -Yes!

Is there room to get the chair in?                                             -Yes!

Are the control stands at the right height and position?           -Yes!

All in the affirmative!                                                               -Yes!

OK, so ALL of the panels need to be trimmed to size. I doubt there's more than one or two truly square angles in all of that. I built in a fairly generous "fudge factor" to hide most of the crimes against carpentry but there will be some significant challenges ahead. 

Now that the primary frame and panel boxes are assembled, I'm back to the notes to figure out what goes where in regards to control panels. I have options for a dozen or more individual panels, plus several spots for warning lights and assorted environmental effects. So far, all of the frame parts are still modular, and I can disassemble some or all of it to work on the parts outside of the sim enclosure. 

Each of the panels is held in place at this point by one (or no) screws. Most fit a lot better than they appear to in the photos. I was simply excited to see this much progress and finally get a sense of the space I have to work with. As I work out the issues with shoddy construction, I can replace parts or sections as I go. Some things will never be seen and I'll probably just let them ride. It's all about learning, and what I gather from this experience may lead to an even more awesome 2-seat MARK X some day.

I've become more comfortable with the table saw, and realized that had I gotten it earlier I could have avoided a lot of problems squaring off the panels. All of this CAN be done with simple tools, but it requires a lot more patience and focus. I acquired more tools since I started this round of builds, so taking the time to learn them and make sure they are set up safely has been a big priority. 

Yes, the seat needs additional work, and is stripped down from all the plywood and control supports I had intended to use. The chair became too wide, and therefore not usable as intended. I had grand plans of a large base for the chair but it's simply not practical. I have the parts to create the "ejection seat rails" and some other greeblie fluff, but the concept I was working with just didn't feel right. Back to basics. 

I'm still working on what to do with the leg well area (framing and closing off interior) and I need to build a few shelves for the computer system itself, and a retractable mouse shelf. I had a keyboard tray but it was too narrow and I had an epiphany about what I will use instead - stay tuned.

Next phase of development is creating the shell with foam insulation board. I'll be mounting MDF or thin plywood on it where I need stability or working with detail insets. Eventually that foam will be resin coated for durability and painted/airbrushed to give it the look I'm after. 

More soon!

The Mark IX - Dominator of the Workshop!

The Build has Begun. 

----------------------------

My son and I played Evochron Legacy over the network. I set up a server and for the first time we were flying together. Having resurrected an ancient X52 Pro, i had my other controls and another computer and we flew, together, for hours. After that experience, I immediately wanted to make it better, more enjoyable. So, back to the workshop for a brand new start!

Again.

The last three tear-downs were due to a failure to integrate the "boat anchor", a genuine aircraft panel. It HAS to be integrated. Its a huge part of the feel. Its naturally beat up, and while it needs paint, I can think of so many ways to build it out. So, mounting and supporting the panel is a priority. It's an odd size, so I decided to build side-walls with an angle that would support the overhead panel, and cross-braces that provided attachment points. I needed a sturdy frame to support the sides and overhead,, so I guess I keep The Box.  The monitor mount is the main purpose for the heavy construction. It's narrow but so solid. 

The outer dimensions are set. I have a plan for two side boxes with panels and switches for a single pilot. Maybe I can build another set of panels for a dual-set configuration, but ... Scope creep kills! I'll look into it after I have a working shell.

The build up on the chair has started as well, and I framed control arms. I tried foam work (see blue board back there?) and I'll be working on resin coating once I know what I need to make. The entire interior is going to be texture rich and much more authentic to the original vision.

Hopefully all of the tools and skills I've acquired over the years start to pay off in some incredible projects. It just became fun again. 

Crappy pictures aside, I just wanted to give a "proof of life" that I am, indeed, continuing on. 

And, if I forget, remind me that I also need to plan in disassembly points, or I'm going to need full-time heat in the workshop. 

Be good. Be safe. 

-R

Foundations

Before I can take advantage of any of the new resources I've got available, I really need to apply some discipline to approaching this realistically. Watching the pile of notes and books sprawl across my floor, I had to admit that I'm going nowhere without some form of organization.

I re-read the entire blog line, and I'm decidedly redundant. I posted the same info several different ways. I'm reinventing lore that I've already committed to the page. I'm scoping the project exactly the same way I did years ago, believing I'm using a new approach. So, I'm going to have to come up with a more concise bible for the construction of this thing. I can't help any one else in their journey if I can't even get out of my own way.

Documentation isn't a problem - I have HUNDREDS of pages of notes and reference. Organizing that info? Ehhhh... Not so much. THAT is one big reason why I'm screwed so far on progress. The best I can say so far is, "I'm building a space ship!" Well, that sounds complicated. And it is. Somehow I got it in my brain that I'd design and build this on the fly. Alone. That's not getting this thing done!

For anyone that's spent more than two minutes on my ramblings, I'd suspect the take-away is, "GET TO THE VERB ALREADY!" "DO SOMETHING." "SHOW ME SOMETHING!"
Fair enough. I'm sick of waking up in the middle of the night, chasing digital rabbits on the hope that some link online will lead me to the Grail of Spaceship Construction.  I have gigabytes of reference materials, much of which is obsolete and unusable. Since I didn't define the goals adequately, I kept every scrap of data that could lead to a breakthrough. I've succeeded in opening wormholes to nowhere again and again. I'm lost in my own research!

I have rarely asked for help, be it in online forums or in person. That's even more difficult when anti-social is my preferred interaction mode. Maybe I'm too proud, or maybe I just can't seem to communicate my goals effectively. Are there true goals? Do I have milestones? How do I know when I'm done a task? Did I ever even define tasks?

*Head explodes*

If you're wondering what I'm doing, I'm right there with you. So, to help both of us out, I'm going to start with some baby-steps. Break it down in small, blocky chunks and refine from there. Even a sloppy mess of ideas and mini-goals is better than nothing. I can revise it later:

• Design and build a modular frame for the flight controls and pilot seat (Phase 1, Small Craft)
• Practical concerns - seat must be adjustable, controls placed ergonomically
• Multi-monitor setup placed at optimal height
• Off-the-shelf components integrated or disguised to appear "in lore".
• Construct the console for additional controls and indicators.
• If space is available, construct a pilot and co-pilot station with shared throttle console
• Place primary controls and indicators where they make the most sense.
• Develop a unified mounting system to be able to install and swap out panels easily.
• Develop and implement protocols for data in/data out to drive the environment effects
• Software hook to read game data and evaluate it 
• Signal processing and routing - Lights, sounds and special effects triggering
• Display screens show relevant data to the participant(s) via helper apps
• Create panels and set design elements to simulate a spacecraft environment
• Use prop and set design techniques to create realistic simulated devices and components
• Choose materials and finishing techniques to convey the purpose of each panel and fixture
• Use Sintra, MDF, sheet metal and advanced painting and body work techniques to make unique futuristic interfaces and set pieces.
• Use extensive research materials and photos to develop the environment. 
• Build redundant controls and displays for additional "players" to use.
• Many switches to one input (redundant controls)
• Discreet displays and controls for specific functions 
• Install co-pilot station 

It's a start, anyways. 

Game On...

No matter the why, the how is now... I'm out of work.

With a full tattoo studio on my ground floor. My private home, where I work in a very safe and  responsible manner. I was an ER Corpsman and worked in one of the ICUs in Fleet Hospital 5 during Desert Storm. Regardless of my desire to work and the cleanliness and relatively low amount of foot traffic, the State has closed all licensed tattoo studios. Even mine.

Staying home all the time honestly hasn't changed me much. I'm solitary anyways. It's all good until someone suggests maybe you shouldn't go anywhere. If you do, it's likely wherever you were going is closed or really fucking inconvenient.

I tried to paint. I do small canvases every day, just to keep me moving paint. But I'm not feeling it. Long before now, I stopped "feeling it". Health and enthusiasm waned. Everything from waking up on was noise and pain and... then I really really crashed.

When I was a kid, the ship and the universe around it were the only world I trusted. It was mine, always there.

So, in the face of the fact that I am alive and wish to remain so, I'm taking out my frustration, my insecurities, focus through the noise, stay on point, and use all of the shit I just complained about because I AM BUILDING A FUCKING SPACESHIP. 

I'm doing it as art. A geeky immersive controller. A YooToob studio. A trophy to not losing my mind ,and staying creative when I really didn't want to.

 Be entertained, or appalled - I have no idea where it's headed now. Stay tuned. Got media to figure out what to do with...

NSFW - "Kid lost his damn mind..."

If there's going to be any progress on this friggin' project from Hell, it's going to be at the expense of my sanity if I don't do SOMETHING. My brain is mush, and I just dumped 300 pages of notes and reference all over the damn place.
I did everything I could to not pop a chip and start heaving things across the room.

Seriously, Kid?

In every damn room of the house I've got stuff for a sim. I'm making no progress. It's the stupidest idea ever. I lack the skills and the focus to make it happen. And right now all I can think of is to re-(re-re-)dedicate myself to defining WHAT the PROVERBIAL FUCK I'm trying to do.  Maybe that will keep me from chasing my tail. I'm having an incredibly hard time organizing any of it, mentally or materially. This is an obsession, and I'm beginning to doubt my sanity fairly frequently because I can't let it go!

There's never really been much doubt. 

I'm spending almost all of my spare time either trying to learn programming enough to write a backbone manager for the sim, or chasing better programming options to make it easier to code.
I have written shit code in seven languages, all of which fall just shy of doing anything.

Skip it - I need a programmer.

Physical materials and "set dressing" for the GeekPit is taking over. It's crept into the tattoo studio, of all places, with an LED gizmo or gadget I had just built, on display because I wanted somebody other than me to see it. There's a free-standing black metal triple monitor mount (with monitors) and the captain's seat from the old van in the corner of my lobby. Yes, the lobby of my work that's IN MY HOUSE. My garage is half full of tools collected for the project, and the other half is full of shit collected over 8 years, unceremoniously dumped in bins and crates. What would my life and living space look like if I didn't have this obsession?

WHY?!?!?!? Why the HELL can't I just walk away from this damn thing!!!

Anything worth doing is worth doing well, including losing your mind. 

What exactly is IT? What the hell am I doing? Why am I doing it? 

I keep telling myself that this is how I'm going to bring that kid with the incredible imagination back.

I'm going to build the thing that he saw, drew pictures of, and believed in. I lost myself as an adult, more than a few times now. I need to let that kid speak. I need to let him tell the stories.

I, as the adult version of him, have access to skills, tools, and materials that I could never have dreamed as that child. It's 2020. This is the future, kid! While I may not be able to lay out the shell in CAD, I can tell you what it feels like to sit in the pilot's seat. I know where the switches and controls are. And I'm getting more confident that I can build it.  

Just not today...

It's late. I'm frustrated. But next week, I'll get settled at the Maker Space. I'll introduce myself as a crazy tattoo artist that's building a spaceship. That should break the ice nicely.

 And then, I'll start the design process. Next post I'll be outlining the scope and goals and sharing some of the reference material in an attempt to create a design guide or project outline or... whatever I need to call it as long as I start breaking down the project. Since the project is supposed to be as much a set piece as a simulator environment, I'm going to try to scope it as a prop shop or practical effects house would approach it. It's a friggin' space ship. I have free reign to create whatever illusions I wish to convince the participants they are in a "real" working space ship. The game does the work, I just need to make it "talk" to the sim. I can;t get help if I don't know what to ask for, so I'm designing it as a prop room, or an escape room you don't want to escape.  

Why yes, the plans DO include a beverage fridge!

More pics. More media. More progress. Stay tuned. If you made it this far, I'm promise I'm
not going to disappoint. I just need to find a method of putting out the data so you, the reader, can benefit from my disjointed ramblings and build your own dream. I'll stop bitching and whining and get down to the business of "selling my sim" in order to get the help and guidance I need.

Thanks for being patient. I assure you real nuts and bolts content is on the way.